Automatic Sequence Generator for Manufacturing Control Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manufacturing processes are labor-intensive and prone to errors due to the manual creation and editing of control logic, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential delays in adapting to changing production demands.

Innovation Solution

An automatic sequence of operations generator is used to produce a list of sequences of operations, allowing for the selection of an optimized sequence to generate a control code set, thereby reducing manual intervention and enhancing process adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control engineers manually create and edit control logic, then the quality and precision of control logic can be ensured through expert judgment, but the process becomes labor intensive and error prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of control logicVSAvoidefficiency of control logic generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically generating control logic through algorithms that analyze manufacturing process data and generate optimized sequences without requiring manual engineering intervention. The automated system serves itself by transforming process specifications directly into control code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual control logic creation with an automated computational system. Algorithms and software automatically analyze process requirements and generate control logic, substituting human engineering activities with automated information processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If control engineers manually analyze and optimize manufacturing processes, then the sequence of operations can be optimized for manufacturing concerns, but the process is time consuming and labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization of manufacturing processVSAvoidtime to generate sequence of operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining optimization criteria and algorithms that automatically evaluate multiple sequence options. The automated system prepares and analyzes potential sequences in advance, rapidly identifying optimized solutions without requiring time-consuming manual analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying sequence parameters and optimization weights to generate different control logic options. The automated system adjusts process parameters, timing, and resource allocation to optimize manufacturing outcomes while reducing development time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual methods are used to create control logic, then flexibility in adapting to changing production demands can be achieved through engineer judgment, but the adaptation process becomes slow and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to production changesVSAvoidspeed of implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamics by creating adaptable control logic that can automatically adjust to changing production requirements. The automated generation process allows rapid reconfiguration of manufacturing sequences in response to changing demands, making the system dynamic and flexible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional automated system that handles various manufacturing processes and adaptation scenarios. The same automated generation engine can produce control logic for different production configurations and changing requirements, providing universal adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If qualified control engineers are used to create control logic, then the precision and accuracy of the process can be maintained, but limited availability of engineers creates bottlenecks and delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of control logicVSAvoidavailability for process adaptations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies copying by replicating the expert knowledge and decision-making processes embedded in automated algorithms. The computational system copies and applies optimization rules and control strategies that would otherwise require skilled engineers, making precision accessible without human bottlenecks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7684892B2Process for generating control sequence of operations
Publication Date: 2010.03.23 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US7684892B2 patent drawing
  • US7684892B2 patent drawing
  • US7684892B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for generation of a control code set for a manufacturing process includes generating a list of sequences of operations with an automatic sequence of operations generator, selecting an optimized sequence of operations from the list of sequences of operations, and utilizing the optimized sequence of operations to generate the control code set.